European law enforcement agencies have dismantled a large-scale criminal network operating fraudulent call centres in Ukraine, following a coordinated international operation supported by Eurojust. The investigation targeted fraudulent call centres in Ukraine organized scam operations that defrauded victims across Europe, causing estimated losses of more than EUR 10 million. According to a press note issued by the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), authorities from the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine worked together to shut down call centres operating in Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kyiv. The criminal group ran a professional setup, employing individuals who were paid a percentage of the money extracted from victims. “Authorities from the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine with the support of Eurojust took action against a criminal network operating call centres in Dnipro, Ivano-Frankivsk and Kyiv, Ukraine that scammed victims across Europe,” Eurojust said in its press notice.

How the Fraudulent Call Centres in Ukraine Operated

Investigators found that the fraudulent call centres in Ukraine used multiple scam techniques. Criminals often posed as police officers or bank employees, convincing victims that their bank accounts had been compromised. Victims were instructed to transfer money to so-called “safe” accounts controlled by the network. In several cases, victims were persuaded to download remote access software and enter banking credentials, allowing the criminals to gain full control over their bank accounts. The network recruited employees from the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, and other countries, bringing them to Ukraine to carry out the scams. The investigation revealed that around 100 individuals from various European countries worked in the call centres. Members of the group had clearly defined roles, including making scam calls, forging police and bank certificates, and collecting cash from victims. Employees who successfully extracted funds received up to 7% of the proceeds. Criminal leaders also promised bonuses such as cash, cars, or apartments in Kyiv if callers obtained more than EUR 100,000, though these rewards were never paid.

Coordinated Raids and Arrests Across Ukraine

A joint investigation team (JIT) was established at Eurojust to enable smooth cooperation between national authorities. Officials met three times at Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague to share intelligence and plan coordinated action. On 9 December, authorities carried out 72 searches across three Ukrainian cities. Offices, homes, and vehicles were searched, resulting in the seizure of forged police and bank IDs, computers, laptops, hard drives, mobile phones, and a polygraph machine. Law enforcement also confiscated cash, 21 vehicles, weapons, and ammunition. Twelve suspects were arrested during the action day. Across the broader investigation in the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine, 45 individuals have been identified as suspects. Czech Police Highlight OCTOPUS and CONNECT Operations In a separate press note, the Czech police confirmed that the takedown was part of international operations OCTOPUS and CONNECT. “NCTEKK crime investigators, together with Czech and foreign colleagues, have uncovered an exceptionally large-scale cybercrime operation,” Czech police said. Operation OCTOPUS focused on fraudulent investment schemes, where criminals created imitation investment websites and fake advertisements promising high returns. According to Czech police, the fraud caused damage of CZK 43,000,000 to at least 138 victims, with the number expected to rise significantly. “Another successful intervention in Ukraine will protect Europeans' money,” the Czech police stated. Meanwhile, Operation CONNECT targeted fraudulent phone scams involving fake police officers and bankers. Authorities dismantled three call centres and seized hundreds of laptops and mobile phones, real estate, vehicles, cash, and weapons.

Ongoing Risk and Public Warnings

Czech authorities warned that such scams are becoming increasingly advanced and that criminal groups frequently relocate call centres to avoid detection. “We regularly warn about these fraudulent phone calls, in which fraudsters pretend to be bankers or police officers,” Czech police said. Officials urged the public to report suspicious calls and emphasized that law enforcement and central banks never request money transfers or withdrawals over the phone.

The FBI Anchorage Field Office has issued a public warning after seeing a sharp increase in fraud cases targeting residents across Alaska. According to federal authorities, scammers are posing as law enforcement officers and government officials in an effort to extort money or steal sensitive personal information from unsuspecting victims.

The warning comes as reports continue to rise involving unsolicited phone calls where criminals falsely claim to represent agencies such as the FBI or other local, state, and federal law enforcement bodies operating in Alaska. These scams fall under a broader category of law enforcement impersonation scams, which rely heavily on fear, urgency, and deception.

How the Phone Scam Works

Scammers typically contact victims using spoofed phone numbers that appear legitimate. In many cases, callers accuse individuals of failing to report for jury duty or missing a court appearance. Victims are then told that an arrest warrant has been issued in their name.

To avoid immediate arrest or legal consequences, the caller demands payment of a supposed fine. Victims are pressured to act quickly, often being told they must resolve the issue immediately. According to the FBI, these criminals may also provide fake court documents or reference personal details about the victim to make the scam appear more convincing.

In more advanced cases, scammers may use artificial intelligence tools to enhance their impersonation tactics. This includes generating realistic voices or presenting professionally formatted documents that appear to come from official government sources. These methods have contributed to the growing sophistication of government impersonation scams nationwide.

Common Tactics Used by Scammers

Authorities note that these scams most often occur through phone calls and emails. Criminals commonly use aggressive language and insist on speaking only with the targeted individual. Victims are often told not to discuss the call with family members, friends, banks, or law enforcement agencies.

Payment requests are another key red flag. Scammers typically demand money through methods that are difficult to trace or reverse. These include cash deposits at cryptocurrency ATMs, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or direct cryptocurrency payments. The FBI has emphasized that legitimate government agencies never request payment through these channels.

FBI Clarifies What Law Enforcement Will Not Do

The FBI has reiterated that it does not call members of the public to demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. Any call claiming otherwise should be treated as fraudulent. This clarification is a central part of the FBI’s broader FBI scam warning Alaska residents are being urged to take seriously.

Impact of Government Impersonation Scams

Data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) highlights the scale of the problem. In 2024 alone, IC3 received more than 17,000 complaints related to government impersonation scams across the United States. Reported losses from these incidents exceeded $405 million nationwide.

Alaska has not been immune. Reported victim losses in the state surpassed $1.3 million, underscoring the financial and emotional impact these scams can have on individuals and families.

How Alaskans Can Protect Themselves

To reduce the risk of falling victim, the FBI urges residents to “take a beat” before responding to any unsolicited communication. Individuals should resist pressure tactics and take time to verify claims independently.

The FBI strongly advises against sharing or confirming personally identifiable information with anyone contacted unexpectedly. Alaskans are also cautioned never to send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other assets in response to unsolicited demands.

What to Do If You Are Targeted

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized should immediately stop communicating with the scammer. Victims should notify their financial institutions, secure their accounts, contact local law enforcement, and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Prompt reporting can help limit losses and prevent others from being targeted.